Tacloban City, Philippines — In a strong display of community service, the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Leyte Chapter, successfully conducted a “libre serbisyo legal” drive last August 28 at the EVSU Inner Court . The initiative provided free legal services to EVSU faculty, staff, students, and adopted barangays under the university’s Non-Teaching Extension Program.
The event was held as part of EVSU’s flagship extension initiative, TANGKOD — Transforming Abilities Nestled on Good Governance, Knowledge, Order and Diplomacy — led by the Office of Dr. Doris Ann S. Espina, Chief Administrative Officer for Administrative Services.
Legal services and consultations offered:
-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC)
-Child support and custody
-Partition of estates
-Land and boundary disputes
-Succession and civil registry documentation
-Ejectment and other civil law issues
-Criminal law concerns
-Drafting of Legal Documents such as:
-Affidavit of Loss
-Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons
-Affidavit of Legitimation
-Affidavit to Use Surname
-Demand Letter for Support
-Certification and Authentication of Documents
-Free Notarization of documents, excluding contracts and deeds with monetary value (e.g., deeds of sale, partition, mortgage)
Dedicated legal professionals included 22 volunteer lawyers and one retired judge:
- Atty. Aldrin Jude M. Quebec
- Atty. Joemarl C. Ilao
- Atty. Jann Claudine M. Amago-Hernandez
- Atty. Jared Marc E. Baterna
- Atty. Allysa Ria C. Rañola
- Atty. Leonila Rosario J. Rojas
- Atty. Garyzalde L. Durna
- Atty. Harold S. Mape
- Judge Agerico A. Avila (Ret.)
- Atty. Jerome D. Villeza
- Atty. Mary Rose A. Tisado-Irlandez
- Atty. Cristine R. Sarzona
- Atty. Christian D. Lumagod
- Atty. Martin Franz S. Sy
- Atty. Frances Glynis B. Benitez
- Atty. Karyl Trinidad Acerden
- Atty. Larry S. Esperas
- Atty. Sweeney T. Del Pilar
- Atty. Angelica Marie G. Bolos
- Atty. Iris C. Ting
- Atty. Ronelito O. Ticoy
- Atty. Josha L. Osias-Wong
A Memorandum of Agreement was also drafted and signed, solidifying the legal partnership between the two institutions for the benefit of the entire EVSU community and its partner barangays.
This outreach reflects EVSU’s commitment to inclusive governance and community development, ensuring that legal services are not just a privilege but a right accessible to all. Through Project TANGKOD, EVSU continues to bridge the gap between academic institutions and grassroots communities, promoting a culture of justice, awareness, and civic responsibility.
Written by: MSP | UMDC
This feature article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) SDG 01: No Poverty SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions; SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
